It’s no secret that politics in San Juan Bautista are wild and
rough and tumble
– two councilmen were recently the focus of a failed recall
effort and the city is looking for it’s third city manager in less
than a year. But what is needed now is a city manager strong enough
to handle with the slings and arrows of San Juan politics.
It’s no secret that politics in San Juan Bautista are wild and rough and tumble – two councilmen were recently the focus of a failed recall effort and the city is looking for it’s third city manager in less than a year. But what is needed now is a city manager strong enough to handle with the slings and arrows of San Juan politics.
While the revolving door would seem to indicate otherwise – the most recent city manager, Jennifer Coile, announced her resignation in December because of health problems within her family after only six months on the job – San Juan Bautista’s top job is an important leadership position. The city manager ensures the government works to implement the city council’s vision and oversees the smooth operation of the city on a day-to-day basis.
But a good city manager does more than that. A good city manager produces a strong budget that balances frugality with quality services for residents. A good city manager is creative enough to expand that budget through grants. A good city manager is open with the public and the press to ensure people know what is happening with their money and government.
Those are the qualities the city council should look for in a new city manager because this is a crucial moment for the Mission City. It is trying to overhaul the city’s dilapidated water collection system, but a $3.8 million federal grant to help fund the project is at risk because the council and the San Benito County Water District cannot come to terms about how to administer the grant. It’s a delicate negotiation and the council should look for someone who can overcome the political traps to shepherd the project to fruition.
It’s a tall order to fill, but the council has an opportunity to do the job right.
They should consider a young, vibrant city manager who may move on in three or four years, but who would do outstanding work while here.
By the same token, don’t forget the lesson Hollister learned from former City Manager Dale Shaddox. He retired after one year on the job, and one day after he turned 53, which boosted his public employee pension plan. The council should avoid someone at the end of their career who could be looking to tack a golden parachute on the city.
San Juan is in a delicate position, but by hiring the right person, the council can put the city on the right track for the future.
